He carried her gingerly, letting her stay rigid in his arms and trying to be as calming as he could with the tension he could feel buzzing around her.
The trees and underbrush finally opened to a wide gravel path that cut through the trees. He continued steadily, putting his back to the sun as his shoes crunched through the gravel. More people were beginning to appear on the trails, especially after turning a corner to empty onto the paved main trail. Most eyed the pair curiously and continued on, with a few slowing to ask if everything was alright. Jason simply smiled and explained that his friend had slipped on some rocks and got a little scraped up. A natural performer, it was easy to be charming and put them at ease.
Just ahead, the path can be seen ending in a large, cleared area filled with lights. "Car's just ahead and I'll set you down, ok?"